Abstract: An energy saving system and method reduces power consumption of an electro-hydraulic power steering system of a hybrid vehicle. The electro-hydraulic power steering system includes a first controller that communicates with an electric motor that is coupled to a hydraulic pump. The first controller selects Standby, On or Off operating modes for the electro-hydraulic power steering system. The first controller applies power to the electric motor and the first controller based on the selected operating mode to reduce power consumption. The first controller turns the first controller off and the motor off when in the Off operating mode. The first controller turns the electric motor off and the controller on when in the Standby operating mode. The first controller turns the electric motor on and the controller on when in the On operating mode.

Abstract: An electrical connector system prevents arcing and component damage. A primary connector is connected to a primary receptacle on an electrical device. A locking mechanism is integrated with the primary connector. The locking mechanism has a first position that prevents removal of the primary connector from the primary receptacle and a second position that allows the primary connector to be removed from the primary receptacle. A secondary connector is connected to a secondary receptacle on the electrical device. When the secondary connector is connected to its secondary receptacle, the secondary connector prevents movement of the locking mechanism from the first position to the second position. When the secondary connector is disconnected from the secondary receptacle, the locking mechanism is capable of moving into the second position to allow the primary connector to be removed.

Abstract: An energy saving system and method reduces power consumption of an electro-hydraulic power steering system of a hybrid vehicle. The electro-hydraulic power steering system includes a first controller that communicates with an electric motor that is coupled to a hydraulic pump. The first controller selects Standby, On or Off operating modes for the electro-hydraulic power steering system. The first controller applies power to the electric motor and the first controller based on the selected operating mode to reduce power consumption. The first controller turns the first controller off and the motor off when in the Off operating mode. The first controller turns the electric motor off and the controller on when in the Standby operating mode. The first controller turns the electric motor on and the controller on when in the On operating mode.